Isak eases his way into Liverpool lifepublished at 10:06 BST
10:06 BST
Liverpool 3-2 Atletico Madrid
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer
Alexander Isak, understandably, was some way from his best but showed enough in 58 minutes to give a golden hint to what riches his future may offer.
Liverpool were actually 2-0 ahead before Isak got his first touch in a red shirt after 10 minutes and there were anxious groans around Anfield when he was left banging his hand on the turf in agony after Atletico defender Robin Le Normand’s late challenge made painful contact with the top of his foot.
Isak had two shots which brought saves from Atletico keeper Jan Oblak, but the most significant takeaway was his link with another Liverpool new boy, £116m playmaker Florian Wirtz.
The pair dovetailed superbly in the first half to create a chance for Jeremie Frimpong, which he could not convert, then Isak’s instinctive flick – with his back to goal and without a look – was played straight into the German’s path, bringing roars of approval from Liverpool’s fans.
Isak and Wirtz linked up nine times in the game, this small sample size of their work together suggesting they will be a formidable weapon in Liverpool’s armoury.
It was a quiet introduction for Isak – but enough to show what he will bring.